Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

After last year, there were a few suggestions made. After the Halloween Trail was taken down at Sandy River Distillery, the company got a couple reviews saying it just wasn’t enough. Now this time around, there’s more than just the haunted trail to explore. Sandy River is doing everything from a pumpkin patch to a petting zoo, face painting to a bounce house. 

“Join us at the Annual Fall Festival and Haunted Trail for an evening of autumnal delight and spooky thrills,” said Tyler Steinruck of Sandy River. “Whether you’re a seasoned scare-seeker or simply looking for some good old-fashioned fall fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.” 

In addition to everything already mentioned, there will be a costume contest on Saturday, Oct. 24, as well as live entertainment each night from 5 to 8 p.m.

When does the trail run? 

So when will this be open? The answer is every weekend this month. The event runs every Friday and Saturday, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and going until 10 p.m. Now we mentioned it’s scarier, but that’s for the version later at night. For that first hour, the trail is focused on children, with a kid-friendly haunted tour happening every 10 minutes and pumpkin carving after. The trail gets a bit scarier after 7 p.m. and is directed toward teens and adults.

If a haunted trail isn’t your thing there will also be live music each night under the canopy and local food vendors will be present. 

Tickets are $15, either at the door or at www.sandyriveroutdooradventures.com. There’s no entry fee for other activities. Pumpkin carving is free but the pumpkins are charged based on weight. Bringing your own pumpkin is allowed. Costumes are welcome, but masks are not allowed. That’s to make sure you can see while walking on the dark trail and to avoid injuries. 

Tours are limited to ten spots per ten minutes. Groups are encouraged to schedule ahead.

Location: Sandy River Outdoor Adventures, 147 Monroe Church Road, Rice Va. 23966

For more information, visit www.sandyriveroutdooradventures.com or contact (434)392-7275.